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Tánaiste expresses concern at conflict in the Central African Republic

11 December 2013

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, has expressed deep concern at the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic.

“I am increasingly concerned at the suffering being inflicted on large numbers of innocent civilians in the Central African Republic. Ireland has been providing humanitarian support since 2008, including €2m this year. It is vital that the international community increases support to the country, which is at risk of sliding towards civil war and genocide,” he said.

“Ireland will work with our EU and UN partners to develop a comprehensive international response to the crisis, one that can restore law and order and put in place a credible roadmap to bring about long term peace and security.

“I welcome the decision by France to deploy a peacekeeping force to the Central African Republic, in support of the African Union-led peacekeeping mission to restore peace and security to the country. The tragic death of two French soldiers underlines the gravity of the situation.On behalf of the Government I wish to express my condolences to their families and to the French Government.

“I look forward to an in-depth discussion of the situation at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which I will attend in Brussels on Monday [16 December]”.

ENDS

Press Office

11 December 2013

Note for Editors

An African Union peacekeeping mission, acting under UN mandate, will be responsible for the restoration of security in the Central African Republic from 19 December. In addition up to 1,600 French troops are being deployed.

The Government approved the provision of €2 million to the UN-operated Common Humanitarian Fund this year, with our second and most recent contribution of €1 million being released in October. This funding allows UN agencies and NGOs present in the Central African Republic to undertake life-saving interventions aimed at the most vulnerable. In particular the funding goes to the areas of food security, water, sanitation, shelter and health.